Posts Tagged ‘David Guccione’

SUNY Canton’s online programming allowed a graduating Law Enforcement Leadership student the flexibility to be with her children, work and volunteer in her community while earning her four-year degree.

Melanie H. Mueller of Afton was selected as the 2014 recipient of SUNY Canton’s Outstanding Graduate Award at the baccalaureate level. Mueller received her award at the David V. Guccione Honors Convocation and will be honored at SUNY Canton’s 106th Commencement Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 10, at the College’s Convocation Athletic and Recreation Center.

“Ms. Mueller has demonstrated excellent leadership skills and adaptability in her coursework,” said Paul Bowdre, an assistant professor in the Criminal Justice department who taught Mueller in several classes. “She clearly enjoys discussion with her peers and works efficiently and effectively with her classmates in online group activities.”

Pictured are (l to r) SUNY Canton Acting President Joseph C. Hoffman, Outstanding Graduate Melanie H. Mueller of Afton and Dean of Students Courtney B. Bish. Mueller received the annual award at the bachelor’s degree level.

Mueller is a single mother of two who held a career during the majority of her online education. “I never thought I’d receive this award,” she said. “Being an online student allowed me to support and be with my children. It also allowed me to assist my community while earning a degree. I would not have had it any other way.”

In one of her previous careers, Mueller was a welder who engineered custom car adaptations for handicapped drivers. She was also a consultant for Ambit Energy.

She and her daughters were involved in fundraising efforts for Hurricane Sandy relief. She said she plans to pursue a career where she can continue to help people on a one-on-one basis.

She is a member of Alpha Phi Sigma and Phi Theta Kappa honor societies. She previously received the Canino Prize for Academic Excellence and an Academic Award for her high grade-point average within the Law Enforcement Leadership program.

Mueller lives with her two daughters, Emma and Angelina. “I couldn’t have done it without them,” she said.

The Outstanding Graduate Award is given annually to a baccalaureate and associate degree graduate. It is SUNY Canton’s top award given to recognize academic achievement, community service and campus involvement.

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York’s premier College for career-driven bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees and certificate programs. The College delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management, and public service to students in the North Country, New York State, and beyond. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to their academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as eight exclusively online bachelor’s degrees. The College’s 14 athletic teams compete in state-of-the-art facilities as provisional members of the NCAA Division III and the USCAA.

The ceremony’s namesake has 40 years in the law enforcement field as a police officer and an educator.

SUNY Canton has named its annual student award ceremony to honor a retired Criminal Justice professor who co-created the College’s first bachelor’s degree program.

The 2014 Professor Emeritus David V. Guccione Honors Convocation will be held at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, in SUNY Canton’s Roos House Athletic Center.

“David’s commitment to generations of future law enforcement professionals is legendary among his students and cadets,” said Interim Provost Karen M. Spellacy. “Although he is very humble, and never looks for praise or accolades, he continues to be an inspiration to the College. I’m honored that he will join us as we honor our best and brightest students at Honors Convocation.”

Guccione and his colleague, Distinguished Professor Emeritus Theodore E. Marlowe, started the David Sullivan St. Lawrence County Law Enforcement Academy to train cadets to enter law enforcement careers in 1996. Guccione received the President’s Meritorious Service Award the same year. Guccione and Marlow also co-created the college’s first four-year degree, Criminal Investigation. The new program placed emphasis on pragmatic knowledge and skills needed by future law enforcement professionals.

“I was very surprised when I learned of my nomination and selection,” Guccione said. “Just as we teachers take pride in our students’ accomplishments, the people who inspired me and helped me should realize they have a share in my accomplishments and this honor.”

Guccione began working for SUNY Canton in 1979. He was promoted to associate professor in 1984 and full professor in 1988. In 1998, he received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. He served as the coordinator of the Criminal Justice program 21 of his 23 years at the College. Guccione retired and received emeritus status in 2002. He has a combined 40 years of experience as a law-enforcement professional and a criminal justice educator and is well known and respected for his expertise.

Prior to his career at SUNY Canton, Guccione was a police officer and field-training officer with the St. Louis County Police Department in St. Louis, Mo. He is a retired chief warrant officer in the U.S. Army, a Vietnam War veteran and a member of the Canton Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Guccione started the Zen Do Kai martial arts club on campus that is still active today. In addition to continuing to practice and teach martial arts, he routinely teaches seminars on self-defense, weapons defense and legalities in self-defense.

Since his retirement, he has continued to teach for the St. Lawrence County Law Enforcement Academy. He is an active member of the Knights of Columbus, volunteers regularly at the United Helpers Nursing home and works to raise money for the Wounded Warriors Project. Guccione has authored academic work in the criminal justice field and magazine articles on scuba diving. He currently enjoys writing about martial arts.

He lives with his wife, Lisa, in Canton. He has three children, Lisa, Mara, and David, and several grandchildren.

About Honors Convocation

The College’s Honors Convocation is an annual formal ceremony designed to recognize students’ academic, civic and overall achievement. Each year, the ceremony is named after the most dedicated and revered faculty members of the College’s history. More than 160 students will receive awards and recognition at the 2014 Professor Emeritus David V. Guccione Honors Convocation.

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York’s premier College for career-driven bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees and certificate programs. The College delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management, and public service to students in the North Country, New York State, and beyond. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to their academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as eight exclusively online bachelor’s degrees. The College’s 14 athletic teams compete in state-of-the-art facilities as provisional members of the NCAA Division III and the USCAA.